What is Colour Therapy?

Colour is the tiny visible portion of the vast spectrum of electromagnetic energy, which is one of the four fundamental forces of the universe. Light functions at the sub-atomic (quantum) level of matter, as well as filling the whole of space (as background radiation – an echo of the Big Bang of Cosmic creation). All of Life on Earth is dependent on the nutritious energy of Light from the sun, which is conveniently stripped of dangerous levels of ultra-violet radiation by the Earth’s atmosphere. Light, as bio-photons, is also working within the body’s cells as communication, and outside the body to infuse the auric energy field. As the energy field extends outside the body, it can be sensed be the healer. It is the goal of therapy to sensitively clear and rebalance the energies by means of similarly affecting the mind and body, of which it is the subtlest part.

An individual’s life and psychology is symbolically related to colours, and the colours occur in the aura. You may be ‘seeing red’, of ‘feeling blue’. Rather literally. You may be ‘in the dark’ or a ‘bright spark’. Growing spiritual awareness is linked with pale hues and the golden white Light which unifies all colours and represents the unity or Source of all. Modern medicine deploys specific colours in the treatment of several illnesses, such as migraine, cancer, neonatal jaundice and dyslexia. Colour therapy or healing is very broad in its applicability because it aims to treat the underlying energetic causes of illness. It is readily combinable with such techniques as reflexology, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and crystals. Early research into the efficacy of colour was conducted by Goethe, Babbitt, Steiner and Ghadiala, and more recently by Theo Gimbel, Vicky Wall, Max Luescher, Faber Birren, et al.

A healing conducted in the energy field feeds down through the vortices called chakras, into the nervous system of the body which conveys messages to the endocrine system, which largely controls the bodily and mental functions. Today, the seven major chakras are predominantly associated with the rainbow colours, in sequence, starting at red at the base and ending with violet at the crown.

Colour practitioners train for two years and work to a code of ethics as laid down by the International Association of Colour (founded in 1984). Treatments do not replace the advice of a medical practitioner.

In treatment sessions, the required colour is established and then applied, by the use of lamps, silks, oils and crystals. Clients may also help themselves through colour breathing, visualisations, etc.

In the end the goal is to tap into the unconscious resources of the mind and body and allow the desired therapeutic gaol to be accomplished.

This article was compiled by the International Association of Colour.